What to baby herons eat?

Question

I was walking threw the woods in my back yard when I saw a small bird running around. I took interest so I watched it. I found out it was a young heron. I saw no nest in sight and I heard they're really high in trees. And many cats live around where I live, so I took him in to try and take care of him so later I could take him to the wild life refuge in my city. But we have to wait a few days before taking him. I don't want him to starve and I don't want to kill him. So if any one know how to take care of one and what it eats please help me.

P.S. If it helps he’s a blackish brown and has green legs and sort of green around the beak and still has most of his baby feathers(I don’t know what kind he is). Any extra info will be helpful.

Answer 1

If the bird is fully feathered, it is most likely a fledgling and has left the nest on it's own and it's parents are caring for it. It is normal for birds to leave the nest before they can fly.   You need to replace it where you found it..preferably in a scrub or tree so it is relatively safe from predators, and the parents should come back to feed it.   Do not worry about your scent being on the chick..birds have a very poorly developed sense of smell and will NOT reject a baby that has been touched.  If the bird is unfeathered,  get the bird to a local wildlife rehab for it's best chance of survival.  Also, keep in mind, it is illegal for you to try and raise this bird on your own.  Look for a rehab here:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactA...

Answer 2

Regurgitated fish is correct. Get some sardines and mash them up into a paste until they can be put in a turkey baster and put it down her throat. Hopefully the bird's instincts will take over, but you may have to force the beak open to begin. Make sure the sardines are not too salty, it's alright if they are oily.

Answer 3

There must be a marsh or stream nearby, they nest near the water, the adults do go in the trees however both parents care for the young in nests on the ground. I would try to find the area and put him down, his parents will find him. they eat fish, frogs, bugs, crabs-small crustaceans.He sounds like a "green backed" or "green"heron.